Pragmatics and Language Use Flashcards
7 cards from real Language Proficiency practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pragmatics and Language Use flashcards as text
What is deixis in language?
Answer: Words whose interpretation depends on context, such as 'here,' 'now,' and 'I'
Deixis refers to words and phrases that require contextual information to interpret, including pronouns, time expressions, and place references.
When a speaker uses sarcasm, which of Grice's maxims is most clearly being flouted?
Answer: The Maxim of Quality
Sarcasm intentionally violates the Maxim of Quality (be truthful) to convey the opposite of what is literally said.
Which term describes language used to establish or maintain social relationships rather than to convey factual information?
Answer: Phatic communion
Phatic communion refers to social language used for bonding purposes, such as discussing the weather or exchanging pleasantries.
In pragmatics, what is a 'presupposition'?
Answer: A background assumption embedded in an utterance that must be true for it to make sense
Presuppositions are assumptions taken for granted within an utterance—for example, 'Have you stopped cheating?' presupposes the person cheated.
Which concept refers to the conversational conventions that allow speakers to alternate speaking without interrupting each other?
Answer: Turn-taking
Turn-taking refers to the cues and conventions that allow speakers to take turns in an orderly way during conversation.
When a professor announces 'There will be a quiz next week,' what type of speech act is this?
Answer: Assertive
An assertive speech act conveys the speaker's belief about the state of the world, providing information to the listener.
What is code-switching in language use?
Answer: Alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a single conversation
Code-switching occurs when a speaker alternates between languages or dialects within a conversation, often reflecting social identity or context.